Stuffing box



July l0, 1945.

J. P. RATIGANv STUFFING' Box Filed July 28, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l Z22/wss .ERAv/GAN,

INVENTOR July 10, 1945. LP. RATIGAN y 2,380,189

STUFFING Box Filed-July 28, u194:11. Sheets-Sheet 2 @AMES .2.124 WGA/v,

INVENTOR July l0, v1945.

J F?. RATIGAN s sheets-sheet :s

INVENTOR MMI rqfwfs BRA wwwy l @W EEE @Mm "ifa, f f

Patented July 10, 1945 UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE 2,380,189 y STUFFING Box James P..Ratigan, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application July 28, 1941, Serial No. 404,259

8 Claims. (Cl. 286-27) lVIy invention relates to a stuning box and has particular reference to an improved stuiling box or packing gland finding particular utility when employed to pack a reciprocating rod such as the polished rod of oil well pumping systems.

The vprimary function of a stuffing box is to provide a Vfluid seal between a conduitJ and a rotary or reciprocating rod which is positioned within the conduit. However, in stuffing boxes which are used in connection with oil well pumping systems, the stuiling box must, in addition to providing the required fluid Seal, be so arranged as to accommodate a certain amount of axial and angular misalignrnent between the conduit and the reciprocating rod. Prior to my invention the t stuffing box constructions employed to accomplish this result were complicated and employed a relatively large number of intricate and expensive parts.

Diiculty has been encountered in the prior devices resulting from a lack of adequate lubrication betweenV the reciprocating rod and `the packing Vmaterialresulting in relatively rapid wear of eitherthe rod or the packing material or both and necessitating frequent repairs. The prior stuffing box constructions were of such cornplicated construction that it was difficult for the ordinary unskilled mechanic employed at oil field pumping stations to make the necessary repairs Y to wait until the flowing of the well ceased before the stufling box could be dismantled for the pur-A pose of renewing the packing material. This occasioned a considerable loss of time and consequent increase in expense.

Occasionally inthe pumping of oil wells the horse-head sling or some part thereof will break and allowthe sucker rod string to fall until the polished rod clamp strikes the tcpof the stufling box. `The weight of the string of lsucker rods (five thousand feet in length or longer) is enormousland when the horse-headsling breaks the stringisallowed to drop from five to ten feet before the polished rod clamp strikes the stumng box. With the conventional constructions a mishap of this character invariablyresults in destruction of the stuffing box due primarily to the fact that the present Stufing box constructions are rigid throughout and there is no cushioning available to take up the force of the blow which is struck by the polished rod clamp.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a stufling box which includes packing' means providing a fluid seal between'a conduit and a rod reciprocal in the conduit and which includes also means for maintaining a supply of lubricant between the rod and the packing.

It is also an object of my invention to provide a'stuing box of the character'set forth in the preceding paragraph which includes a plurality of packing elements spaced from each other and a means for introducing and continually replenishing a supply of lubricant between the spaced packing elements.

It is an additional object of my invention to provide a stufhng box construction of the character set forth in the preceding paragraph which includes a means for maintaining a supply of lubricant in the stuffing box during such time" i most portion to thereby prevent breaking of the stuffing box.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide a stufling box of the character set forth in the preceding paragraphs wherein, the packing elements are of large size and formed of flexible material permitting the reciprocating rod to be moved to various positions out of alignment with the axis of the conduitwithout destroying the fluid seal between the rod and the conduit.

`It -is additionally an object of my invention to provide a stuffing boxof the character set forth in the preceding paragraphs wherein the parts thereof may be assembled only in one fashion. thus positively preventing improper assembly of the device by unskilled mechanics.

It is also an object of my invention to provide a stuffing box of the character set forth hereinbefore which includes a shut oif` means disposed below the'packing elements and arrangedto permit the establishment of a fluid seal between the rod and the conduit independently of the packing elements.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from a study of the following specifications, read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view illustrating the general form and appearance of the preferred embodiment of my invention and the manner in which it may be used in an oil well pumping system;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of the stufng box illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional View taken substantially along the line IlI-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view. of the stuffing box illustrating the relative positioning of the parts and the manner in which the device is assembled;

Fig. 5 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating the form, appearance and manner of use of al modified form of stufng box construction;

Fig. Gis a vertical sectional Viewof the stuing box illustrated in Fig. 5; and

Fig. '7v is a cross` sectional view taken substantially along the line VII-VII of Fig. 6.

Referring tov the drawings., I have illustrated in Fig. 1 the casing head portion of a typical oil .welly pumping system as including a casingy I which is normally fitted into at least the upper portion of the oil well-bore 2. Upon the upper end. of the casing I there is fltteda casing head 3 which includes means for effecting a connection to' gas lead lines 4 and,V 5. The casing head 31 also, includes a packing and support assembly indicated generally in Fig. 1 by the reference character E which is employed tor seal; off the annular space between the casing*vv I; and av string o f flow tubing 1 which is extended downwardly through the casing to the location of the pump deep within the well.

The flow tubing 1 is extended. upwardly through the casing head 3 as indicated. att: and isttedwith a cross 9 providing-connections to -liquid or oil lead lines I0. The cross9 is adapted to,support a stuiiing box II through which a polished rod I21 forming the uppermost partr of the sucker rodv string is extended, rIhe sucker rodstring which is connectedA to the` lower end of.. thel polished rod provides the driving connection between the pQWer apparatus located at the ground surface and the reciprocating pump plunger disposed deep withinthe well bore.

According to the preferred embodiment; of. my invention the stuing box II is preferably constructed alongV the lines illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 and includes a body portion I3 which may have a downwardly extending nipple or boss I4 formed integrally therewith and threaded either externally or internally to permit attachment to the cross 9. The body I3 definesI a stufng box chamber I5which is preferably formed of a noncircular shape for reasons which will be made apparent hereinafter, the form which is illustrated in Figs. 2 through 4 comprising an oval or egglshape.

Within the chamber I5 Iposition a lower spacing element I6 and a pair of packing elements I1 and I8 between which is positioned a lantern gland I9. An upper gland member 20 is adjustably secured to the body |3as by means of bolts orother suitable attaching means` 2| to permit a longitudinal compressiveforce of considerable,

magnitude to be exerted upon the packing elements I1 and I8.

All of the elements thus far described are provided with centrally disposed bores 22 disposed in axial alignmentawith a bore 23 formed in the lower nipple portion I4 to receive the polished rod I2. Each of the elements I6-20 are contoured to conform to the shape of the chamber I5 so as to permit their being positioned therein. Attention is directed to the fact thatby so shap ing the chamber I5 and the elements Iii- 20, it is impossible to assemble the device if the elements are turned to improper or misaligned positions.

The lower spacing member I 6 is preferably formed as a substantially at pl-ate which is provided on its under surface with a plurality of ribs or projections 24 adapted to engage the bottom 25 of the chamber I5 and space the plate therefrom. As is best shown in Fig. 4, the upper surface of the member IB, is provided near its peripheral edge with a slightlyy raised: rimf 26 adapted to engage the under surface of the-packing element I1 to provide a high pressure ringmember I1 when a longitudinalL compressive force 'is exerted on the,v packing member |-.1-

The lantern gland I9 preferably comprises a pair of plate-like members 21 and 28; supported in fixed axially spacedrelation to each` other by means of a plurality of vertically extending webs or fins 29 between which are defined. radialopenings 30 affording a communication. between the polished rod which passes through the' central aperture 22 and theinterior of thechamber I5. The plate members 21 and 28.areprovided on their upper and lowery surfaces, respectively,` with a peripherally extending ridge 3| corresponding in construction and function to, the raised rim 26 previously referred to,

The upper gland member 2|) comprises'a cover plateY portion 32 which is provided with' a1 plurality of openings 33r for receiving the bolts' 24|.. These bolts are adapted, when the device is.. assembled in the manner illustratedA in Fig. 2,4 to be received in. radially disposed slots 3,4; provided. in outwardly extending ears@ 35v formed on'the body I3. Nutsv 36 threadedly' engaging the bolts 2| are positioned below the ears 3,5. whereby tightening the bolts 2| operates to urge the upperl gland member 20 downwardly with respect to the body I3. A downwardlyv projecting boss member 31 is formed integrallywith vthe cap.

portion 32 and the boss member 31;y is shapedso as to be closely received withinthe chamber" I5. As is shown in Fig. 2, theunderlsurfacc` ofthe boss member 31 is likewise provided with. a, pe-

ripherally disposed andY downwardly extendingshoulder 38 to-provide a ring-like area of. high.g

pressure contact between the upper gland member and the upper packing element. I8;

It will be noted4 thatthe upper andlower sur-l faces of each of the packing elementsy I1and |81v is securely clamped betweenv ring-likeV shoulders formed on the elements I6, I8 and 3,1 so that an,

adequate fluid seal is provided betweenpthe .packing elementsy I1 and I8 and the members Il,` I9 andl31.V

'I'he bore 22 which is provided through the packing elements I1 and |81is preferably of'aA size to closely receive the polishedsrod.` I2, and the packing elements |1and I8. arefpreferably.- formed of rubber, neoprene or` other. highlyU flexible and resilient'fbut non-compressible material. Thus, as a longitudinal compressiveforce is exerted on the packing elements I1 and I8, `these members are thereby expanded radially to provide a rm pressureengagement between the walls of the bores 22 therethrough and the outer surface of the polished rod so as to provide an adequate fluid seal between the polished rod and the packing elements. r

Similarly, the radialexpansion of the members I1 and I8 brings their outer surfaces into flrm pressure engagement with the walls of the chamber I5 so as to provide an adequate fluid seal between the packing elements and the body I3. Thus, the packing elements I1 and I8 serve to provide a complete and adequate seal between the fluid passage 23 through which the polished rod I2 is extended and the body I3 of the packing gland so as to positively prevent uid conned under pressure within the passage 23` from escaping.

The lantern gland I9 is employed for the purpose of permitting adequate lubrication of the polished rod to prevent wear of the polished rod and the bores 22 in the packing elements I1 and I8 as the polished rod I2 is reciprocated. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of my invention I Aprovide a means for maintaining and constantly replenishing a supply of oil in the spaces and openings 3i] deiined bythe lantern gland I9. This means preferably includes a standpipe 39 which is extended upwardly from the lower spacing element I6 a distance sufficient to be received within a bore 40 provided in a downwardly extending cylindrical boss 4I formed integrally with the boss portion 31 of the upper packing gland 20. The bore 4D communicates with a cored out chamber 42 formed in the boss 31 and serving as an oil reservoir.

The standpipe 39 is preferably provided with'a larger diameter portion 43 near its junction with the spacing element IE and the packing elements I1 and I8 are each providedwith a bore '44 of such size and disposed in such location as to receive the enlarged standpipe portion 43 and the cylindrical boss portion '4I,f respectively. The standpipe 39 is provided with a huid passage 45 communicating with the space provided between the spacing element I6 and the bottom 25 of the chamber I5 by the ribs and projections 24. Thus, oil coniined under pressure in the fluid passage or conduit 23 may ilow through the space `between the element I5 and the bottom 25 of the stuffing box chamber and thence upwardly through the fluid passage 45 in the standpipe 39. Upon flowing out of the top of the standpipe 39 the oil may flow downwardly around the outside of the same and into vthe openings and spaces 39 dened by the lantern gland I9, the plate members 21 and 28 of the lantern gland I9 being provided with relatively large diameter openings 46 for receiving the standpipe 39. Oil thus supplied to the spaces within the lantern gland I9 serves to lubricate the packing elements I1 and I8 and the polished rod I2 as the polished rod is reciprocated,V andA excess oil supplied through the standpipe 39 flows into the reservoir space 42 and iills the same so as to maintain a supply of lubricant during such time as the pumping equipment may-be shut down.

Such a supply may be held in the reservoir 42 by providing a check valve in the standpipe 39. A simple check valve construction is illustrated in Fig. 2 as comprising a rod 41 which is slidabls7 received within the passage 45 .provided in the standpipe 3,9.- The. lower end oftherod 41 is preferably bent over as indicated at 48 to limit the upward movement of the rod, and the upper end of the rod 41 is provided with a valve head 49 adapted to be lowered into sealing relationship with a valve seat 59 formed on the upper end of the standpipe. This check valve construction operates to permit fluid to be pumped into the reservoir space 42 and to prevent iiuid from flowing from the reservoir 42 downwardly through the standpipe 39 duringA such time as the oil well pump is not operating.

In order that the polished rod I2 may be adequately lubricated when the stuiiing box is first placed in use,I provide a filler opening 5I which is extended through the upper plate portion 32 of the gland member 20 and into communication with the chamber 42. The chamber 42 may thus be iilled and after iilling the opening 5I may be closed as by means of a threaded pipe plug 52 shown in Fig. 4.

If it is desired to provide lubrication of the polished rod above the upper gland member I3 the same may be accomplished by merely loosening the plug 52 sufficiently to p'ermit a small amount of oil to leak through the opening 5I. This oil willbe conned to the immediate vicinity of the lplug 52 by means of a dike or ridge 53 which is formed on the upper surface of the gland member 29. A similar'dike or ridge 54 is provided about the opening 22 through which the polished rod I2 passes and the laterally disposed slot 55 in the ridges 53 and 54 provides a communicationfthrough which oil leaking past the plug 52 is conveyed to the opening 22 in the upper gland member 29.

The -openings 22 lin the upper gland member 29, in the lantern gland I9, and in the spacing member It are all made somewhat larger than the diameter of the polished rod so that there is provided a considerable amount of clearance between the polished rod and these members. Thus, if the polished rod is forced tota position misaligned from the axis of the conduit 23, it is not necessarily brought into metal to metal engagement with the members I9, I9 or 29. Furthermore, such misalignment of the polished rod is permitted by the flexible and resilient character of the packing elements I1 and I8, these elements serving to maintain the desired iiuid seal p even though the ypolished rod is so axially misaligned. i

I have illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and '1 a modified form of stufng box construction, such modiiied form being indicated generally by reference character 69 in Fig. 5. The stufiing box 69 is similar in construction to the stuifing box previously described but includes additionally a shut oir means which permits a fluid seal to be establishedy between the polished rod. I2 and the body of the stuiiing box at a point below the packing elements I1 and I8, thus permitting the stufhng box to be disassembled for the purpose of replacing or renewing the packing elements I1 and I8 even though the well is of the character which tends to flow for a considerable length of time after pump ing operations are stopped.

In accordance with this form of the invention the stuffing box body I3 denes a stuiiing box chamber I5 within which an upper gland member 2U, an upper packing element Il?, a lantern gland I9, a lower packing element I1 and a lower spacing member Iiia are positioned in precisely the same manner as has been previously described in connection with Figs. l through 4.

The lower spacing member Ilia is identical with the spacing element I6 previously described with the exception' that itl includes apair of downwardly extending ears 6I which are received within a rectangular box-like recess 62 formed in the lower portion ofthe stuiiing. box` b'ody |13. The box or recess 62l is employed to house'a'-I shut 01T member $3V which is formed as a rectangularplug of` rubber, Neoprene or other highly flexible and resilient but' non-compressible material having an opening 64 formed thereneina position to receive the sucker rod I2.; The end faces of the plug 63` are securedas by means of asuitable adhesive to steel pressure plates 65 and 66 disposed in positionsto be engaged-bythe inner ends of a pair of clamping screws 61.

The screws 61 are threaded into suitably threaded openings 68 provided in laterally extending boss portions 69 formed integrally with the stufiing box body I3, andthe innermost ends of the screws S'l are passed through suitable'apertures 1B provided in the ears 6i, whereby the screws 61 serve to hold the lower spacing element I6a down and prevent it being lifted upwardly through the stufling box chamber I until the screws 61 are unscrewed a distance suiiicient to remove them from the aperture 10.

Upon rotation of the screws 611in a direction to force the pressure plates 65 and 66 toward each other, the resilient shut off member 63 is compressed axially with respect to the axis of the screws 61Y and is thereby expanded in the remaining directions to exert an inwardly directed pressure upon the polished rod I2; a laterally directed pressure against the side walls of the recess 62 and a vertically directed pressure against the under surface of the spacing member ISa and the bottom surface of the recess 62. Thus, the conduit 23 is sealed off between the body I3 and the polished rod I2l permitting the upper gland member 20' to be removed and the sealing members I1l and I8 to be removed and replaced even though iiuid may be coniinedfwithin the conduit 23 under a considerable pressure.

Attention is directed to the fact that the lower spacing member I6a is prevented from being raised as a result of the upwardly directed pres sure exerted thereon by the expansion of the shut oit member 63 since the spacing member I6`a is held down bythe screws 61 which are passed through the aperture 1D in the lug 6 I.

The shut off member 63 is preferably split at one or both sides'as indicated at 13 in Fig. 7 so that when the screws 61 are backed off there will be provided an oil passage from the'conduit 23 into the space immediately below the lower spacing member Ita so that in normal operation the device can perform its self-oiling function as has been previously described. During normal operation leakage of oil around the screws 61 may be prevented by employing packing member 14 which may comprise a tubular nut 15thread edly received within a counterbore 16 andadapted to exert pressure on a suitable sealing member 11 interposedbetweem the counterborev 16 and the screws 61.

Preferably the screw 61 is shouldered as at 18, the outer portion upon which' the' wrench `flats 1I are formed being of a smaller diameter than the portion which is threadedly engaged with the boss 69. By providing an oppositely directed shoulder 19 on the interior of. the tubular nut 15, a positive limit is provided as to the amount of retractive movement to which the screws 61 may be subjected. This prevents'the inadvertent removal ofthese screws and aA consequent loss of oil through the openings in which the screws are received.

From the foregoing it Vwill be observed that I have provided a novel stuiiing box construction which includes a means for continually oiling the sliding engagement between the sealing members andV the polished rodv and which also includes a means for maintaining anadequate supply of lubricant at this point at all times while the rods are in motion regardless of whether the pump is maintaining a full head of oil immediately below the stuing box.

Attention is also directed to the fact that by forming the stuiiingbox chamber I5 as an egg shape or other non-circular form, proper assembly of the device is insuredy since it is impossible to turn the various: members which are received within the chamber to any angular'position other than the correct position.

It will also be noted that by providing the shut off arrangement as is illustrated in Figs, 5 through '7, I have provided a means whereby the sealing members of the stuing box may be renewed at' any time even though the well is of the character which tends t'oflow for an appreciable time after pumping operations are stopped.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my'invention, I do not desire to be limited to any of the details of construction shown or described herein, except as dened in the appended claims.

l. Ink a stuffing box for providing a fluid seal between a vertically disposed reciprocating rod and a conduit-surrounding said rod and coniining therein oil under pressure, the combination of: a body member secured to the'upper end of said conduit and defining a stuffing box chamber through which said rod is extended; a pair of sealing members in said' chamber surrounding said rod for providing a uid sealbetween said rod and said body; means spacing said sealing members axially of each other; means for conducting oil from said conduit to the'space between said sealing members; and passage means around the uppermost one of said sealing members for conducting oil from said space to the surface of said rod at a point above said uppermost one of said sealing members.

2. ln a stuffing box for providing a fluid seal between a vertically disposed reciprocating rod and a conduit surrounding said rod and' conlining therein oil under pressure, the combination of: a body member secured to the upper end of said conduit and defining a stufng box :chamber through which said rod is extended; a pair of sealing-members in said chamber surrounding said ro-d for providing a iiuid seal between said rod and said body; means spacing said sealing members axially of each other; means for conducting oil fromsaid conduit to the space between said sealing members; passage means around the uppermost one of said sealing members for conducting oil from said space tothe surface of said rod ata-pointl above said uppermost one of said sealing members; and means in said passage means for controlling the rate of iiow of oil therethrough.

3. In a stuffing box for providing afluid seal between a reciprocating rod anda conduit surrounding said Iod and yconiiningtherein oil under pressure, the combination-of: a'stuiiing box body secured to'said conduit defining a stuffing box chamber communicating.4 with a recess disposed adjacent said.` conduit; a cover'plate in saidchamber extending across said recess; a lug on said cover extending into said recess, said lug having an aperture therethrough; removable sealing means in said chamber above said cover plate establishing a fluid seal between said body and said rod; a block oi flexible and resilient but non-compressible material in said recess surrounding said rod; screw means threadedly engaged with said body and extending through said aperture to secure said cover plate in said chamber, said screw means being so positioned as to dispose the inner end thereof Iadjacent said block for exerting a compressive force on said block in one direction to thereby expand said block in other directions into sealing engagement between the walls of said recess and said cover plate and said rod, whereby said sealing means may be removed without allowing oil to escape yfrom said conduit.

4. In a stuffing box for providing a fluid seal between a reciprocating rod and a conduit surrounding said rod 'and confining therein oil under pressure, the combination of: a body member secured to said conduit and defining a stuffing box chamber of asymmetrical oval cross section through which said rod is extended; a removable sealing member in said chamber having an opening through which said rod is extended and providing a iluid seal between said rod and said body, said sealing member being shaped to conform to the cross section or said chamber and having a hole formed therein spaced lfrom and extending parallel to said opening; and means in said chamber extending through said` hole for conducting oil from said conduit to that part of said chamber disposed on the opposite side of said sealing member from said conduit, said sealing member being also reversible as to which side thereof is uppermost, whereby said opening and said hole are properly positioned Whenever said sealing member is placed inv said chamber.

5. In a stuifing box for providing a fiuid seal between a vertically disposed reciprocating rod and a conduit surrounding said rod and conning therein oil under pressure, the combination of: a body member secured to the upper end of said conduit and defining a 'stuiiing box chamber of asymmetrical oval cross section Athrough which said rod is extended; a pair of sealing members in said chamber, each having an opening through which said rod is extended for providing a fluid seal between said rod and said body; spacing means spacing said sealing members axially of each other, said spacing means having an opening for passing said rod, said spacing means and said sealing members each being reversible as to which side is uppermost and each being shaped to conform to the cross section of said chamber, said spacing means and said sealing members each also having formed therein a hole spa-ced from said opening and extending parallel to said opening; and means in said chamber `extending through said holes for conducting oil from said conduit to that part of said chamber disposed on the opposite side of said sealing members from said conduit, whereby said openings and said holes are properly positioned and aligned whenever said sealing members and said spacing member are placed in said chamber.

6. In a stumng box `for providing a fluid seal lbetween a reciprocating rod and a conduit surrounding said rod and confining therein oil under pressure, the combination or: a body member secured to said conduit and deiining a stuiiing box chamber through which said rod is extended; av

sealing member in said cham-ber surrounding said rod and providing a iiuid seal between said rod and said body; means deiining a passage extending through said sealing member for conducting oil from said conduit tothat part of said chamber disposed on the opposite side of said sealing member from said conduit; plate means interposed between said sealing member and the bottom of said chamber; and means on said plate means defining a uid interconnection between said conduit and said passage.

7. In a stuiing box for providing a fluid seal between a vertically disposed reciprocating rod 'and a conduit surrounding said rod 4and conning therein oil under pressure, the combination of: a body member secured to the upper end of said .conduit and dening a stuiilng box chamber through which said rod is extended; a pair -oi sealing members in said chamber, each having an opening through which said rod is extended for providing a fluid seal between said rod and said body; means spacing said sealing members axially of each other, said spacing means having an opening for passing said rod, said spacing means and said sealing members each also having formed therein a hole spaced from said opening and extended parallel to said opening; plate means interposed between the lower one of said sealing members and the bottom of said chamber; means on said plate means extending upwardly through said holes and defining a passage for conducting oil from said conduit to that part of said chamber disposed on the opposite side of said sealing members from said conduit; and means on said plate means defining a fiuid interconnection between said conduit and said passage.

8. In a stuiilng box for providing a fluid seal between a reciprocating rod and a conduit surrounding said rod and confining therein oil under pressure, the combination of: a body member secured to said conduit and dening a stuiing box .chamber through which said rod is extended; a sealing member in said chamber surrounding said rod and having its outer peripheral wall fully contacting the inner peripheral wall of Said chamber, said sealing member providing a uid seal between said rod and said body; and passage means wholly within said chamber and including a portion extending through said sealing member for conducting oilto that part of said chamber disposed on the opposite side of said sealing member from said conduit.

JAMES P. RATIGAN. 

